System and method for monitoring weight and nutrition

ABSTRACT

A system for providing weight and nutritional information. The system involves input of subject data such as weight, body fat percentage, and expected activity levels. Users also may input an assessment of a subject, which can be used to generate a weight plan for the subject. The weight plan can include a series of acceptable minimum weights for the subject, each of the minimum weights being associated with a time. The method can also be used to generate a nutrition plan based on the subject data entered. A subject can build the nutrition plan by responding to a series of food exchange item prompts.

This application is a continuation-of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/446,086, filed May 28, 2003, now abandoned by Daniel M. Peplinski,Alan Utter, and David Neiman, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/355,195, filed Jan. 31, 2003 by Daniel M.Peplinski, Alan Utter, and David Neiman (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,247,023),both of which claim priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.60/391,587, filed Jun. 27, 2002, and this application claims benefit tothose filing dates for priority. The entire disclosures, specifications,attachments and drawings of U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.10/355,195, 10/355,195 and 60/391,587 are incorporated herein byspecific reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to products and methods usefulfor monitoring body weight and nutrition, and more particularly tomethods and products that can be used over the Internet or throughsoftware to calculate and monitor body weight and nutrition, especiallyfor those in sports programs that require weight monitoring, such aswrestling.

BACKGROUND

Athletes, especially wrestlers, may lose weight very rapidly to gain acompetitive advantage. Athletes often use rapid weight reduction methodsin order to qualify for a certain weight classification. For somewrestlers, in particular, weight loss is excessive and oftenaccomplished by methods that lead to loss of lean body mass and totalbody water. There is evidence that this excessive and rapid weight lossis unhealthy, especially for high school wrestlers who have not yetcompleted their growth and development. Negative health consequencesinclude growth retardation, decreased academic and cognitiveperformance, and altered endocrine or hormonal function. Cycling of bodyweight may also decrease strength, power and endurance, diminishing awrestler's likelihood of success. Three tragic deaths in late 1997prompted the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to make aWrestling Weight Certification Program (WWCP) mandatory to foster a safecompetitive environment.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,387 to Summerell et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,640 toSzabo and U.S. Pat. No. 6,368,272, to Porumbescu describe variousnutritional methods and algorithms. Summerell's system can be accessedthrough either an Internet or intranet format, or implemented in astand-alone mode or a workstation or a PC. However, none of thesemethods provides a product or method that is easily employed by a userto determine how much weight a particular individual can be expected tolose or maintain without adverse affect to their body, and to build anutrition plan.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,901 to Karkanen discloses an integrated weight losscontrol method. Karkanen fails to disclose, however, monitoring asubject's weight to determine a maximum allowable weight loss oversuccessive time periods, and building a nutrition plan to conform to theallowable weight loss values.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,951,197 to Mellinger discloses a weight loss managementsystem. Mellinger fails to disclose, however, monitoring a subject'sweight to determine a maximum allowable weight loss over successive timeperiods and building a nutrition plan to conform to the allowable weightloss values.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first embodiment, a method of monitoring weight,comprises providing a plurality of data entry options, the data entryoptions allowing entry of data for generating an assessment of asubject, wherein the menu of data entry options comprises an option forentry of an identification of the subject, an option for entry ofsubject gender, an option for entry of subject academic level, an optionfor entry of subject weight, and an option for entry of data describingsubject body fat percentage. The assessment data may be stored on acomputer-readable medium. A subject body fat percentage is determined,and a weight plan is generated based on the subject assessment data. Theweight plan is generated by calculating a plurality of minimum weightsfor the subject using a maximum allowable weight loss percentage for atime period, each of the minimum weights being associated with a timeperiod.

Additional objects, features and advantages of the invention will be setforth in the description which follows, and in part, will be obviousfrom the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.The objects, features and advantages of the invention may be realizedand obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinationparticularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a system for providingnutritional and weight information;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate menu options for executing a method forproviding nutritional and weight information;

FIGS. 2C-2J illustrate various displays for executing the method forproviding nutritional and weight information;

FIG. 3A illustrates a method for generating a nutrition plan;

FIGS. 3B-3K illustrate various displays for executing the method forgenerating a nutrition plan;

FIG. 4 illustrates a method for generating a weight plan;

FIG. 5 illustrates a method for determining a subject's body compositionin accordance with the method shown in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a method for generating a weight plan in accordancewith the method shown in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with the embodiments discussed below, a system and methodare disclosed for providing weight and nutrition information. Theinformation can describe, for example, a weight plan for a subject, asubject's compliance status with a weight plan, a nutrition plan for asubject, and other information regarding a subject's weight, health, ornutritional status. The system and method can be used, for example, todetermine how much weight a subject can lose while avoiding possibleadverse effects on their health. The nutrition plan can be used toensure that the subject follows the weight plan.

The system and method disclosed in this specification are particularlysuitable for young subjects who are still growing and may not fullyunderstand the harm that they may cause by losing or gaining too muchweight. According to one embodiment, a user can determine a subject'sminimum weight for a series of time periods, and a build a diet planaccording to factors such as the user's initial body fat percentage,height, weight, and perhaps also, age. The minimum weight at each timeperiod can be determined according to guidelines published by state andnational athletic organizations, such as the National CollegiateAthletic Association (NCAA).

In one embodiment, the weight certification program of the presentinvention is a web-based application that is used to monitor the weightof certain classes of subjects. For example, collegiate and scholastic(e.g., high school) wrestlers are governed by specific weightguidelines, and the web-based application can be used to monitor theirweight and/or nutritional status.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a web-based application of an embodiment ofthe present invention. The embodiment is a web-based system 1000 formonitoring weight and for providing nutritional information. The system1000 can perform functions, such as, for example, building a diet planfor a subject, and providing access to users, who need not necessarilybe the subject, to information regarding the subject. The monitoring canbe performed, for example, to ensure that the subject complies withstate, national, or other governing body guidelines.

The system 1000 comprises a server 1010 connected to a network 1020. Theserver 1010 comprises one or more databases or objects 1030. Thedatabases 1030 can store information relating to weight and nutritionalstandards, user interface programs, food exchange data, and programsrelating to remote access by users such as web browsers and userinterface programs.

The network 1020 connects the system 1000 to a plurality of user accessports 1050. The user access ports 1050 can be, for example, a remotecomputer, a laptop, a personal computer, a workstation or any otherprocessing device located at a site controlled by the user.Alternatively or in addition to the previous embodiment, a user accessport 1050 can be located at a site controlled by an owner of the system1000, and can also be owned by the system 1000 owner. Any number ofaccess ports 1050 can be coupled to the server 1010 on dedicated ornon-dedicated access lines.

The network 1020 can be, for example, the Internet, or any other networkthat allows an exchange of information between a user and the server1010. In one embodiment, the network 1020 is a dedicated dial-up orlocal area network (LAN) network. The network 1020 may include hardwaresuch as is known in the art, including an information line, and one ormore routers. The information line can be, for example, a telephone lineor hardware supporting access via a satellite communication apparatus.The router can be, for example, the Internet backbone.

The server 1010 can be programmed to run and/or access one or moreprograms in accordance with the methods discussed in this specification.In one embodiment, the server 1010 is programmed to execute a method formonitoring a subject's weight. The subject can be the user operating ata user access port 1050, or the subject can be a third party whoseweight or other data is entered by the user. For example, the user canbe the parent and/or coach of an athlete (subject) participating inorganized sports, or a designated assessor. The server 1010 can also beprogrammed to execute a method for developing a nutritional plan for asubject, as discussed below.

The server 1010 can include a user interface 1060, which may be used topresent menus, prompt screens, data displays, and other information to auser at a user access port 1050. The various prompts and screenspresented to users by the interface 1060 are discussed in detail below.The user interface 1060 can comprise one or more programs, databases orobjects, allowing input by a user and/or transmission of information tothe user.

The user access ports 1050 can include any processing devices capable ofrunning a network-interfacing program such as, for example, a webbrowser. In a preferred embodiment, the user access port 1050 is apersonal computer (PC) programmed with software for communicating withthe server 1010. The software can include executable instructions forproviding data such as, for example, password and login information foraccess to the server 1010, formatting information for providing data tothe server 1010 in the proper format, or instructions for constructing,for example, prepared forms which may be completed at the user accessport 1050 and subsequently forwarded to the server 1010. Alternatively,the server 1010 can include a database of forms that may be completed bya user while the user is in communication with the server 1010 (e.g.,while the user is on line). In addition, the user access ports 1050 canhave one or more peripherals attached thereto. The user access port 1050may also be a PC programmed with software to save data generated forprepared forms on computer-readable media, such as floppy disks andCD-ROMs.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a website arrangement for providing a weightcertification service, weight plans, nutritional information, and dietplans to users. The website arrangement can be used to provide weightcertification and compliance information, nutritional plans, and weightloss plans concerning one or more subject. In some cases, a user of thewebsite will be a subject, and in other cases the user will be a thirdparty. For example, as in the case of scholastic wrestlers, the subjectwrestler will usually have access only to selected portions of thewebsite (i.e., the subject is a user), and a third party user such as acoach or parent may have access to that subject's data and to otherinformation.

The website discussed below is discussed with reference to a collegiateor scholastic wrestler. However, the general principles discussed belowmaybe applicable to any number of sports, particularly those in whichweight and/or nutrition are relevant factors for qualification for thesport. In addition, many aspects of the website can be used by users whoare simply interested in obtaining a nutrition and/or weight loss plan,and who may not be interested in participating in a sport. The websitearrangement can be programmed on and executed by the server 1010illustrated in FIG. 1, or by other server arrangements. The websitearrangement can also be in the form of an executable program stored on adigital medium readable by, for example, a microcomputer or personalcomputer.

Referring to FIG. 2A, a WEIGHT CERTIFICATION PAGE provides a menu optionfor a COLLEGIATE menu and a SCHOLASTIC menu. The COLLEGIATE option maybe used to obtain information regarding athletes governed by collegiatesports standards, such as those provided by the NCAA and the NAIA. TheSCHOLASTIC menu option can be used to obtain weight informationregarding athletes governed by one or more of the various state andlocal governing bodies. The options provided under the COLLEGIATE menuoption can be tailored to conform to the appropriate governing body. Atthe present time, NCAA weight guidelines are used by collegiategoverning bodies. The options provided under the SCHOLASTIC menu optioncan also be tailored to conform to a particular governing body'srequirements. At the present time, NCAA weight requirements areacceptable by most state and local collegiate governing bodies. Asubject who is not governed by any particular governing body can select,for example, either the COLLEGIATE or the SCHOLASTIC menu. In general,the weight loss and nutrition guideline information provided under bothoptions is advantageous to users regardless of their participation insport.

The COLLEGIATE menu is illustrated in FIG. 2A. The SCHOLASTIC menu isillustrated in FIG. 2B. If the user is neither a collegiate nor ascholastic sport participant, the user may elect to simply access, forexample, the collegiate mode. In an alternative embodiment, thecollegiate/scholastic option may be omitted and access can be provideddirectly to the menu options disclosed under the COLLEGIATE andSCHOLASTIC menu options, where applicable. Access to the various menusmay be provided according to the user's identity. For example, in astate with mandatory weight certification programs, entry of datathrough menu options may be restricted to persons such as coaches, orassessors designated by the relevant governing body or bodies.

The INSTRUCTIONS menu option can be selected to obtain specificinformation for using each of the menu options in the website, or forother information relevant to the site. The INSTRUCTIONS menu caninclude, for example, a description of skin fold measurements.

The ENTERING DATA menu option is provided to allow a user to input dataregarding a subject. The subject may, in effect, be the user, who mayenter his or her own data. The ASSESSMENTS SECTION I option providesaccess to an NCAA Wrestling Weight Certification Section I form, whichis illustrated as FIG. 2C. The Section I form is used to provide aninitial assessment of a wrestler at the date of the initial assessment,or “alpha” date. As shown in FIG. 2C, the ASSESSMENTS SECTION I menuoption generates various weight data for the subject wrestler. Theweight data generated includes a lowest allowable weight-one (LAW 1),body density (BD), percentage of body fat (% BD), fat weight (FW), freefat weight (FFW), lowest allowable weight-two (LAW 2), and a lowestminimum wrestling weight (MWW). The NCAA provides the WeightCertification Section I form and the calculations used to determine theabove data.

After completing the NCAA Wrestling Weight Certification Section I form,the data may be saved, and the form can be printed. The subjectwrestler's information is thereby saved in the system.

The ASSESSMENTS SECTION II menu option provides a user access to an NCAAWrestling Weight Certification Section II form, which is illustrated asFIG. 2D. The form is generally completed before a wrestler's firstcompetition. The Section II form is used to ensure that the subjectwrestler conforms to NCAA body fat percentage requirements. The FINALCERTIFICATION SECTION II option is used to verify wrestler status.

The REPORTS option is used to generate reports for information enteredregarding one or more subjects. The SECTION I AND II REPORTS menuoptions can be used to generate reports for all of the wrestlers on aparticular coach's team, and may list all of the Section I and SectionII information, respectively. The SUMMARY REPORT menu option allows theuser to display and print a summary of different data concerning thosesubjects for which the user has access to. A Squad List Summary Reportis illustrated as FIG. 2E. The WEIGHT LOSS PLAN menu option provides aprintout of a weight loss regimen generated by the weight certificationwebsite. A sample weight loss plan is illustrated as FIG. 2F. Ingeneral, the WEIGHT LOSS PLAN describes a permissible maximum weightloss for the subject. Each date on the form includes a minimum weightthat the subject may have at that time. In the form shown in FIG. 2F,the minimum weights are calculated to the NCAA standard of a maximumloss of 1.5% of body weight in any one week period. The RECERTIFICATIONFORM menu option is used to generate a form to allow a wrestler toreturn to a previous weight class. The WRESTLER ACCESS menu optiongenerates a list of wrestlers, their alpha date, alpha weight (i.e.,weight at initial assessment), login ID, and login password. A samplewrestler access form is illustrated as FIG. 2G.

The STUDENT ATHLETES menu option is used to generate a weight loss planfor a subject and to generate a nutritional plan for the subject.Developing a weight loss plan and a nutritional plan are discussed belowwith reference to the SCHOLASTIC menu option. The subject who is astudent athlete will generally obtain an I) and a password from hiscoach.

The coach references each subject's ID and password from the WRESTLERACCESS menu, which lists all of his team member IDs and passwords.

The EDUCATION option can be used to access nutritional information andaccess to, for example, an educational video. The educational video maybe provided to advise coaches, wrestlers, parents, or other athletes andsubjects on basic nutritional principles, hydration, and weightmanagement. The video can include, for example, a review of basicnutritional guidelines, a review of hydration guidelines,recommendations for weight management, and special nutritional topicsfor certain classes of subjects. For wrestlers, that could includetopics such as, for example, pre-competition meals, food and beverageintake during competition, post-competition nutritional guidelines,healthy choices from the school cafeteria, etc. A HELP option may alsobe provided to provide information on use of the site and for otherinformation.

The SCHOLASTIC menu option is illustrated in FIG. 2B. The INSTRUCTION,EDUCATIONAL, and HELP menu options can contain information similar tothe menu options under the COLLEGIATE menu shown in FIG. 2A, and may betailored to the scholastic side of the website.

The COACHES menu option is provided to allow coaches to enter dataregarding subject wrestlers, and to access subject data. The INITIALASSESSMENT menu option is used to generate an NWCA Wrestling WeightCertification form. A sample NWCA Wrestling Weight Certification form isillustrated as FIG. 2H. The NWCA form may use calculations similar tothe NCAA form illustrated in FIG. 2C, with modifications to account forthe different body composition requirements for state or local governingbodies. For example, according to the form shown in FIG. 2H, the minimumallowable body fat percentage is 7%, as opposed to the 5% value shown inthe NCAA form. The system 1000 (FIG. 1) can account for national, localand state requirements, and can generate forms that conform to therequirements.

The APPEAL option provides a list of subject wrestlers, and allows auser to select a subject, and to request an appeal of the initialassessment for that wrestler. The ALPHA MASTER menu option is used togenerate an NWCA Wrestling Weight Certification Alpha Master Report. Asample NWCA Wrestling Weight Certification Alpha Master Report isillustrated as FIG. 21. The WEIGHT LOSS PLAN menu option is used togenerate a weight loss schedule for a subject. The weight loss scheduleprovides a list of minimum weights that the subject can have atspecified dates, similar to the plan illustrated in FIG. 2F. A sampleplan is illustrated as FIG. 2J. The wrestler's actual weight for eachtime can be entered in the right column. The WRESTLER ACCESS menu optiongenerates a NWCA Wrestling Weight Certification Wrestler Access Report,which may have a format similar to the form shown in FIG. 2G.

The ASSESSORS menu option is used to allow a designated assessor toenter information in the system and to view information. The assessor istypically a person authorized by a governing body to monitor the weightstatus of one or more subjects. The assessor may also be authorized toenter data and to generate reports. The INITIAL ASSESSMENT option, theAPPEAL option, the ALPHA MASTER option, and the WEIGHT LOSS PLAN optionmay all have functions for assessors similar to the same functions underthe COACH menus. In a state without a mandatory program, a subject'scoach can usually perform one or more assessor tasks.

The STUDENT ATHLETES menu option provides a subject student athleteaccess to his data, and generates a menu of food items that the subjectcan consume while conforming to the weight loss plan. The VIEWASSESSMENT option allows the subject to view his initial assessment (seeFIG. 2H). The WEIGHT LOSS PLAN option allows the wrestler to view hisweight loss plan (see FIG. 2J). From the WEIGHT LOSS PLAN menu, thesubject can generate a nutritional plan that conforms to the plan.Generating a nutritional plan using the website arrangement is discussedbelow with reference to FIGS. 3A-3K.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a nutrition plan isgenerated for a subject. FIGS. 3A-3K illustrate one method forgenerating a nutrition plan for a subject. The method illustrated inFIGS. 3A-3K can be executed by accessing either the COLLEGIATE menuoption or the SCHOLASTIC menu option. The nutrition plan can be selectedto conform to the weight plan generated in the method described above,and with other factors. According to a preferred embodiment, anutritional plan based on the weight loss plan is generated by thesystem 1000. The nutritional plan allows subjects, and in particularwrestlers, to select from a wide variety of food products from a varietyof lists based upon, for example, their fat free weight (which may becalculated in the certification program), their resting metabolic rate,and their typical daily activity level. This information may be used tocalculate a number of “choices” each wrestler can select from each listof food items (vegetables, meats, etc). The nutritional plan can be adynamic dietary plan, which a user and/or subject can modify at anytime, as long as the nutrition plan requirements are satisfied. Whilethis invention is particularly adaptable to wrestlers, the same methodor a similar method can be employed by many types of subjects formonitoring their weight and/or nutrition.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of a method for generating a nutritional planfor a subject.

FIGS. 3B-3K illustrate various displays used in executing the method.

In step 310, the user, who will typically be the subject, enterspersonal data such as age, height, and activity level (see steps 1-3 inFIG. 3B).

In step 320, a resting energy expenditure (REE) (using a fat-free massbased equation) is calculated.

In step 330, an average daily total energy expenditure (TEE) (using theBouchard system of energy equivalents for 24-hour grouped activities) iscalculated.

In step 340, a recommended daily energy intake (RDEI) is calculatedusing, for example, an equation based on REE, TEE, and the recommendedrate of weight loss. RDEI can be based on factors such as restingmetabolic rate, physical activity levels, and body composition. TheInstitute of Medicine has published a formula suitable for calculatingRDEI.

FIG. 3C illustrates sample calculated values for TEE and RDEI.

In step 350, a recommended number of food exchanges are provided. A“food exchange” is a selection of food selectable by the subject. Thefood exchanges may be provided for all food groups, and may be based onthe RDEI and nutritional guidelines for a healthy diet (e.g., based on a55% carbohydrate, 30% fat, and 15% protein macronutrient profile). Asample Food Exchange Options screen is illustrated in FIG. 3D.

In step 360, a series of prompts are provided to allow the subject tobuild a menu. The menu items may be selected according to the subject'spersonal likes/dislikes. The menu is built to facilitate weight loss atthe prescribed rate. Menu items are selected according to prescribedserving sizes and food exchange type. Examples of food exchanges arenonfat dairy, lean protein, vegetables, fruit, starches, and an “extracalories” menu. FIGS. 3E-3J illustrate the entry screens for enteringthe subject's food exchange options and amounts. As an alternative toallowing the subject to build a menu from scratch, sample menus can beprovided that the athlete/coach can adapt to meet specific needs.

In step 370, the subject's menu is generated. A completed sample menu isillustrated in FIG. 3K.

In step 380, queries may be received by the subject. The subject cansubmit queries to one or more qualified nutritional advisors, such as,for example, a registered dietitian.

In step 390, informational resources are provided. The subject isallowed to access other informational web sites providing advice onnutritional guidelines. Several websites exist that provide advice towrestlers, for example, and URLs for these websites may be presented ina menu.

A method of generating a weight plan will now be discussed withreference to FIGS. 4-6. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the method forgenerating a weight plan. In one embodiment, the method is executed bythe system 1000 illustrated in FIG. 1. Other apparatuses, however, maybe used to employ the method. The method can be used to generate theweight plans discussed above (see FIGS. 2F and 2J).

The method is discussed in the context of a subject wrestler operatingunder guidelines from a governing authority, such as, for example, theNCAA, or a state's athletic association.

A user may, however, enter data for subjects engaging in otheractivities, such as monitoring weight for general health or otherreasons. The guidelines can therefore be applicable at the collegiatelevel or at the secondary school level.

Many organizations govern athletics at various levels. At the collegiatelevel, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) andthe National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) determine therequirements for athletes. Standards for scholastic athletes aredetermined by state and local high school athletic associations. In thisspecification, these organizations are referred to by the generic term“governing body.” More than one governing body may have jurisdictionover a subject.

In general, governing bodies require wrestlers to have their body fatpercentage (% BF) and body weight (BW) determined before the wrestlingseason begins. In FIG. 4, this step is disclosed as step 410, in whichsubject data is entered. The data can be entered on a form such as thoseillustrated in FIGS. 2C, 2D, and 2H. The subject's body weight BW ispreferably measured when the subject is hydrated. The bodyweight (BW)may therefore be referred to as a “hydrated body weight” or, moregenerally, a “current weight.” This step may also include the entry ofraw data such as body caliper measurements used to determine thesubject's body fat percentage (% BF). Alternatively, the subject's bodyfat percentage may be entered directly.

Body fat percentage can be provided by, for example, a commerciallyavailable service such as BodPod.RTM. Other subject data entered at thispoint can include the alpha date, urine specific gravity, subject gradeor years in college, and subject name.

In step 420, the subject's body composition is determined. The subject'sbody composition can include data such as the subject's body density(BD), body fat percentage (% BF), fat weight (FW), and fat free weight(FFW). These values may be displayed on the forms illustrated in FIGS.2C, 2D, and 2H. The steps involved in determining the subject's bodycomposition are discussed in detail with reference to FIG. 5.

In step 430, the subject's weight plan is generated. The weight plan caninclude one or more weight parameters such as, for example, a lowestallowable weight (lowest allowable weight-one, or “LAW 1”) at which awrestler can wrestle at for a first time period T1. In more generalterms, LAW 1 can be a lowest recommended weight for a first time period.The weight parameters can also include a lowest allowable weight-two(LAW 2). LAW 2 can be a lowest allowable weight for a subsequent orlater time period T2. LAW 2 is typically used to describe a minimumending weight after a period of weeks. In addition, minimum weights forany number of intermediate time periods, such as weekly time periods,can be calculated. As shown in FIGS. 2F and 2J, each time period in theleft hand column is accompanied by a minimum weight for that time. Theminimum weights may be used to inform the subject, coaches, parents, orothers, of the minimum weight that the subject should have at any time.Generation of a weight plan is discussed in detail below with referenceto FIG. 6.

After the weight plan is generated, the subject's weight may bemonitored. In one embodiment, users, who may be wrestling coaches, arecapable of monitoring any number of subjects' compliance with prescribedgoverning body guidelines. The website arrangement described above isparticularly advantageous for monitoring the subject's compliancebecause of the detailed reports available to users. For example, eachwrestling coach in a specified region can have access to the server1010, and can monitor any of the wrestlers participating in wrestling inthat region. According to NCAA guidelines, for example, if a certainwrestler is below his/her allowable body weight for a given week, he/sheis not allowed to wrestle. A coach or other user who detects that awrestler is not operating within the prescribed guidelines can alert thegoverning authority of detected violations. In addition to andalternatively to monitoring by users, the server 1010 may contain adatabase of subject data, and the subject data can be examined todetermine whether the subject is complying with the prescribedguidelines. In this way, the system 1000 can provide automaticnotification when a subject fails to comply with prescribed guidelines.

As another advantage to using the web-based application, the data entryand calculations used in the initial assessment can be used to generatea weight certification form, which may be in a form acceptable to thevarious governing bodies. The weight certification form may be submittedto a governing authority, such as the NCAA, or the state's athleticassociation. The report establishes the wrestler's minimum allowablewrestling weight, and accordingly his/her lowest allowable wrestlingclass. These calculations are based on a formula supplied by the NCAA.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a method of determining a subject's bodycomposition. The method steps illustrated in FIG. 5 correspond to step420 in FIG. 4.

In step 510, the subject's body density (BD) is determined. Body densitymay be determined by a number of methods. For example, data fromskin-fold measurements may be used to calculate body density. Oneskin-fold measurement technique involves skin-fold measurements taken inthree areas of the body: triceps, subscapular and abdominal. Theskin-fold measurements can be entered as subject data in step 410 (FIG.4). The median values of each area are then summed, and used in thefollowing formula to determine BD:BD=[1.0982−((SUM SF)*0.000815)]+[(SUM SF).sup.2*(0.00000084)]where SUM SF is the sum of the skin-fold median values. Alternatively,body density may be measured by known methods such as hydrostaticweighing or commercial devices such as BodPod.RTM, as discussed above.

In step 520, the subject's body fat percentage is calculated. Body fatpercentage (% BF) can be calculated according to the following formula:% BF=[4.57/BD)−4.142]*100.In step 530, the subject's fat weight (FW) is calculated. Fat weight isthe weight of the fat contained in the subject's body. Fat weight may becalculated according to the following formula:FW=BW*(% BF/100).

In step 540, the subject's fat free weight (FFW) is calculated. The fatfree weight FFW represents the weight of a subject's body that iscomprised of materials other than fat, and may be calculated accordingto the following formula:FFW=BW−FW.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method of determining a weight plan. The stepsillustrated in FIG. 6 correspond to step 430 in FIG. 4.

In step 610, a lowest allowable weight-one (LAW 1) is calculated. Thelowest allowable weight-one is calculated according to the FFW. LAW 1can be calculated according to:LAW1=FFW/f

In the equation for LAW 1,f is a factor that describes the minimum bodyfat allowed according to governing body rules. For NCAA standards, aminimum body fat of 5% is required. For the NCAA, f is 0.95, or1.00-0.05. For other governing bodies, such as those that regulate highschool wrestlers, f can be, for example, 0.93.

In step 620, a time period (TIME) is determined. The time period can bedescribed as a period of time between an initial assessment and a“deadline date,” and is usually described as a number of discrete timeperiods of weeks. The deadline date represents a deadline measurementdate. The deadline measurement date is different according to differentgoverning bodies. For example, in NCAA collegiate wrestling, thedeadline date is December 15th.

The time period TIME can be, for example, expressed as a number ofdiscrete time periods, such as weeks (“WEEKS”) between the initialassessment and deadline date. The deadline date can be any date. Thevarious state athletic associations may specify other dates.

In step 630, a lowest allowable weight-two (LAW 2) is determined. LAW 2may be calculated according to the general formula:LAW2=BW−(BW*c*TIME)where c is a constant. In a more specific embodiment, and in accordancewith NCAA guidelines limiting body weight loss to 1.5% of body weightper week (i.e., c=0.015), the formula can be stated as:LAW2=BW−(BW*0.015*TIME)where TIME is in units of weeks.

In step 650, a minimum weight (MW) is determined. The Minimum Weight maybe calculated according to the following formula:MW=the higher of LAW 1 and LAW 2.

If the subject is a wrestler, the minimum weight can be described as thesubject's minimum wrestling weight (MWW), and may be calculated by:MWW=higher of LAW 1 and LAW 2.

The minimum wrestling weight MWW is the minimum weight that a wrestlermay have and still conform to governing body standards. Each time periodduring the monitoring period for a subject has its own MWW.

In step 650, minimum weight values for each of the discrete times in themeasurement period may be calculated, as are illustrated in FIGS. 2F and2J. The minimum weights can be calculated by reducing the alpha orinitial body weight assessment by a percentage prescribed by a governingbody. Reducing each preceding projected minimum weight by the percentagepopulates the projected weight fields in FIGS. 2F and 2J.

NWCA currently supports an Internet-based weight certification programat http://www.nwcacalculator.com/certification/ for the calculation of asafe and healthy minimal wrestling weight.

Additional advantages, features and modifications will readily occur tothose skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broaderaspects is not limited to the specific details, and representativedevices, shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modificationsmay be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the generalinventive concept as defined by the appended claims and theirequivalents. As used herein and in the following claims, articles suchas “the”, “a” and “an” can connote the singular or plural.

1. A computer-based system for preventing excessive weight loss in awrestler or other subject, comprising: a computer with a computerprocessor, wherein said computer processor is programmed to preventexcessive weight loss in a subject by: providing a user interface, saidinterface providing a plurality of data entry options, at least one ofthe data entry options allowing for entry of data for generating anassessment of a subject; automatically calculating, based upon thesubject assessment data, a maximum allowable weight loss for a timeperiod for the subject, where the maximum allowable weight loss isdetermined using the subject's body weight, body fat percentage, and fatweight; automatically calculating a first minimum allowable weight forthe subject; automatically generating a weight plan comprising a seriesof minimum acceptable weights for the subject by decreasing the firstminimum allowable weight by a constant factor, each minimum acceptableweight being associated with a time period and storing the first minimumallowable weight and series of minimum acceptable weights in a computerreadable medium or database wherein said user interface comprises anoption to appeal the weight plan to a governing body.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the assessment data is stored on a computer readablemedium or database.
 3. The system of claim 1, further wherein thecomputer processor determines the subject body fat percentage.
 4. Thesystem of claim 3, wherein the determination of subject body fatpercentage is based upon subject body density.
 5. The system of claim 1,further comprising a computer display or monitor for displaying one ormore of the acceptable minimum weights.
 6. The system of claim 1,further comprising an assessor interface for one or more assessors, saidassessors designated by a governing body for a sport, school or activityin which the subject participates to determine whether a subject hasexceeded a minimum acceptable weight for any period.
 7. The system ofclaim 6, wherein the assessor interface allows an assessor to accessinformation about one or more subjects in the database.
 8. The system ofclaim 1, further wherein the user interface provides a menu of reportoptions.
 9. The system of claim 1, further wherein the user interfaceprovides menu options for a program addressed to scholastic wrestlersand for a program addressed to collegiate wrestlers.
 10. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the assessment data comprises identification of thesubject, subject age or academic level, subject weight, and datadescribing subject body fat percentage.
 11. A computer-based system formonitoring an athlete's compliance with a weight plan in an athleticprogram, said system comprising a computer with a computer processor,wherein said computer processor is programmed to at least: (a) provideat least a first user interface comprising a data entry option allowingfor a first user to enter: (a1) the athlete's hydrated weight at a firsttime period or data sufficient to calculate the athlete's hydratedweight at the first time period; and (a2) the athlete's body fatpercentage at the first time period or data sufficient to calculate theathlete's body fat percentage at the first time period; (b) calculatethe weight plan based upon at least the data from (a), wherein theweight plan comprises at least one selected from the group consistingof: (b1) a lowest allowable weight during at least one time period afterthe first time period; (b2) a maximum allowable weight loss during atleast one time period after the first time period; (b3) a lowestallowable body fat percentage during a time period after the first timeperiod; and (b4) a lowest allowable change in body fat percentage duringa time period after the first time period; and (c) generate a reportbased upon the weight plan, wherein said report is sufficient to certifythat the athlete complies with a weight management program establishedby a governing body for the athletic program. wherein the first userinterface comprises an option to appeal the weight plan to governingbody.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the weight plan comprises alowest allowable weight during each of a plurality of time periods afterthe first time period.
 13. The system of claim 11 wherein the computerprocessor calculates the weight plan by a method comprising:automatically calculating a first lowest allowable weight for theathlete based on at least the athlete's body fat percentage and hydratedweight at the first time period; and automatically generating a seriesof lowest allowable weights for the subject by decreasing the firstlowest allowable weight by a constant factor, each lowest allowableweight being associated with each of a series of time periods.
 14. Thesystem of claim 13 wherein the athlete is a wrestler and the time periodafter the first time period is at least a portion of a wrestling season.15. The system of claim 14 wherein the data entry option of the firstuser interface permits the user to enter data for each wrestler of awrestling team and wherein the report comprises: (c1) a roster of eachwrestler for the team; (c2) a lowest allowable wrestling weight for eachwrestler of the wrestling team; and (c3) a first allowable date at whichthe wrestler may be at the lowest allowable wrestling weight.
 16. Thesystem of claim 11 wherein the first user interface further comprises anoption to select criteria for calculating the weight plan.
 17. Thesystem of claim 14, wherein the criteria may be tailored by the user.18. The system of claim 11, wherein the user interface further comprisesa data entry option allowing for entry of at least the athlete's weightand/or body fat percentage at a second time point later than the firsttime period.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the computer processoris programmed to generate a second user interface, wherein the seconduser interface permits a second user to monitor the athlete's compliancewith the weight plan.
 20. The system of claim 11 wherein access to thedata entry option of the first user interface is restricted todesignated users.